HIV/AIDS: Mass Media Communication

The mass media—especially television and radio—reach large numbers of young people around the world and have enormous influence. In a 23-country study among 12-year-old school children whose homes had electricity, over 90% watched an average of three hours of television per day (365). In virtually all developing countries most women ages 15 to 19 have regular access to television and radio (45). While young people obtain a great deal of information about reproductive health from entertainment programs in the mass media, many of these programs have the effect of promoting unsafe attitudes and behavior and portraying sex in ways that encourage risk-taking.